By afternoon on Tuesday, the 9th of May, Latvian State Police detained six people for attempts to celebrate the 9th of May and various propaganda-related activities.
Nine administrative violation proceedings and one criminal procedure have been commenced so far. Six administrative cases are commenced in Riga, two in Latgale and one in Zemgale.
Police also explain that five out of six detained persons were detained for laying flowers at the fenced off area in Pardaugava, where the Soviet Victory Monument once stood.
One more person was detained for laying flowers at the Freedom Monument decorated with a symbol of military aggression. All detainees were taken to police departments.
Latvian State Police notes that all proceedings were commenced over use of symbols that glorify military aggression and war crimes in a public place.
Police also report cases when materials containing texts glorifying war were put in a public environment. This includes one such case at the feet of the monument located at Daugavpils Brothers Cemetery.
Police also received reports of various other possible violations. Information is being checked.
Police are also investigating the situation with the defaced “Bolderaja” sign.
State Police are also conducting preventive talks with residents in attempts to prevent violations, like, for example what happened with a man in a wheelchair who came to Dubrovina Park in Daugavpils wearing a jacket with the word “Russia” written on it.
The man understood the warning and immediately ceased his wrongdoings.
State Police explain that on the 9th of May security services in Latvia are on high alert to prevent provocations.
Police remind that on the 9th of May no celebration and other festivities, rallies, processions or protests directed against the interests of national security, divides society, falsely depicts history and questions solidarity with the Ukrainian people are permitted in Latvia.
“We remind that placing flowers and other elements, which, according to visual and content presentation, indicate the possible justification and glorification of totalitarian regimes, war crimes and military aggression, in places where the now demolished Soviet monuments were located, will be evaluated and considered both as possible administrative violations and possible criminal offences,” Latvian State Police warn.
Social network users, too, report having noticed a couple of violations. Twitter user Nepareizais, for example, has posted a video of people bringing flowers in Daugavpils despite the fact that there is no more Soviet monument to leave them at.
Pārdaugavā monumentu okupācijas armijai novāca, bet Daugavpils centrā to lēma atstāt. Lielākais Baltijas valstīs. Šodien?? ,kā jau katru gadu 9.maijā, ??faniem ir kur pulcēties. pic.twitter.com/PKo52JMgXs
— Nepareizais (@realNepareizais) May 9, 2023
15th trolleybus passenger Andželika posted a photo of a dog with a Ribbon of St. George, which is considered a symbol of Communism and Russian aggression. The woman also said the dog’s owner congratulated passengers getting on the trolleybus with Victory Day on “nearly every stop”.
15. trolejbuss, 9. maijs, suns ar ģeorga lenti pie kakla. Saimnieks arī gandrīz katrā pieturā sveic pasažierus okupantu svētkos. @Valsts_policija @Rigassatiksme_ pic.twitter.com/46vcMOX6wB
— Anželika (@a_litvinovicha) May 9, 2023
Police remind that residents can report provocations or illegal activities to 110.
Also read: Russia installs large “propaganda screen” aimed at Narva promenade